ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday renewed his offer of talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), linking fresh negotiations to the party ending its ongoing long march towards Islamabad.
Addressing an event in Islamabad, the prime minister warned that renewed politics of sit-ins and long marches could damage the country’s economy and disrupt its path towards recovery.
“Unfortunately, the shadows of dharnas and long marches have once again emerged,” Shehbaz said.
He said the ruling coalition had collectively decided to engage PTI in an effort to persuade the opposition party to abandon protest politics and resolve differences through dialogue.
“I urge you to come to your senses, end the long march and sit-in, and then we will sit with you,” the prime minister said.
His remarks came as PTI’s long march, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, reached Kohat.
Talks Ended in Deadlock
PTI launched the march on October 4 after negotiations between the government and opposition aimed at averting the protest failed.
The PTI and a joint government-PPP delegation held three rounds of negotiations before talks eventually broke down, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.
PTI had previously postponed its march from September 27 to October 4, while government officials repeatedly warned that protesters would not be allowed to enter Islamabad.
PM Warns of Economic Impact
Shehbaz warned that prolonged protests and road disruptions could affect exports, imports and manufacturing activity at a time when the government was seeking to maintain economic recovery.
“If workers and engineers do not reach factories and offices on time, the loss will be Pakistan’s,” he said.
The prime minister maintained that the government had worked for two-and-a-half years to put the economy back on its feet through collective efforts.
He urged PTI to abandon the long march and return to negotiations, stressing that political confrontation should not undermine economic activity and development.
